The MasterChef dish that shocked Prince Charles
The future King of England was lost for words when he discovered he had been served a canape topped with green ants by MasterChef’s contestants on Wednesday night’s episode.
During a highly-anticipated appearance during “Royal Week” of the show, the remaining nine contestants were given the task of preparing an assortment of canapes using local indigenous ingredients for a reception at the Royal Flying Doctor Services, featuring special guest the Prince of Wales.
While the wallaby tartare and goat’s cheese mousse with bush spices were well received, it was the pickled cucumber seasoned with green ants that raised eyebrows.
“I’m particularly partial about local ingredients. And that’s what makes it so fascinating is the diversity. So, what are all these things?” Prince Charles asked as he inspected the contestant’s dishes.
“We’ve got some muntries on here, local green ants on these canapés,” judge Matt Preston explained.
“Green ants!” Charles exclaimed with shock.
He also revealed his “darling wife” watched MasterChef and left the contestants with some words of advice.
“It’s always worth competing, even if you don’t win, isn’t it?” he said.
That moment when you find out you just ate ANTS! 🐜😳 #MasterChefAU pic.twitter.com/SGyDUNvX5G
— #MasterChefAU (@masterchefau) July 4, 2018
Earlier in the episode, judge Gary Mehigan spoke to the Duchess of Cornwall in a pre-taped segment about the ingredients in her and Prince Charles’ kitchen.
After Gary mentioned her son, Tom Parker Bowles, had told them she was great with a roast, Camilla admitted she was “very good at a roast and vegetables” and loved olive oil.
She divulged the fact that Charles was a big fan of cheeses and liked eating home grown food.
When asked by Gary what foods she couldn’t live without in her fridge, the Duchess of Cornwall had a surprising confession.
“I have to have, if I haven’t got fresh tomatoes, I’ll always have tomato puree,” Camilla said. “And I’m afraid to say, even ketchup. My grandchildren are rather addicted to ketchup.”
Camilla and Charles share nine grandchildren and step grandchildren between them, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
When asked what food the contestants should absolutely not serve at the royal reception, Camilla didn’t mince her words.
“I hate to say this, but garlic,” she said. “Garlic is a no-no.”
“Because you’re talking, chatting?” Gary asked.
“Exactly. It’s always so — you just have to lay off the garlic,” Camilla replied.